Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world, and even brief exposure to an infected person poses a high risk of infection for vulnerable people (i.e., those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised). Measles carries a high risk of complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. Vaccination against measles is safe and effectively protects against contracting the disease. The recent outbreak in the southern United States has largely occurred amongst unvaccinated people, and children aged five and under have been the group of infected patients who have most often required hospitalization. We at Guardian Pediatrics urge timely vaccinations in accordance with evidence-based scientific guidelines.

The CDC recommends all children get two doses of MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, starting with the first dose at 12 through 15 months of age, and the second dose at 4 through 6 years of age. Children can receive the second dose earlier as long as it is at least 28 days after the first dose.
 Infants 6 through 11 months of age should receive one dose of MMR vaccine if they are high risk (i.e., traveling to certain locations). Infants who get one dose of MMR vaccine before their first birthday should get two more doses (one dose at
12 through 15 months of age and another dose separated by at least 28 days).
 Some people who get two doses of MMR vaccine may still get measles, mumps, or rubella if they are exposed to the viruses that cause these diseases. Experts aren’t sure why; it could be that their immune systems didn’t respond as well as they should have to the vaccine or their immune system’s ability to fight the infection decreased over time. However, disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people.

MMR vaccine history and efficacy:
Measles vaccine first available in 1963.
MMR vaccine first available in 1971.
2 dose series recommended starting in 1989.
1 dose is 93% protective against measles.
2 dose series is 97% protective against measles.

Note: There is no link between MMR vaccination and autism. In fact, multiple large, well-designed epidemiologic studies, including a 2020 systemic review including nearly two million children, have found no evidence to support any link between MMR vaccination and autism. 

resources

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/Vaccine-Safety-The-
Facts.aspx
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccine-safety/vaccines/mmr.html
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/measles